Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl to retire

Democrat Herb Kohl of Wisconsin said today he'll retire from the U.S. Senate, giving Republicans another pickup opportunity in the battle for party control.

"The office doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the people of Wisconsin and there is something to be said for not staying in office too long," Kohl said at a news conference in Milwaukee. "I've always believed it's better to leave a job a little too early than a little too late, and that's how I feel today."

Kohl is the eighth senator -- and sixth in the Democratic caucus -- not to seek re-election in 2012. Republicans need a net gain of four seats to win the Senate majority.

Although Republicans scored major statewide and congressional victories in Wisconsin in November, GOP Gov. Scott Walker's push to strip public employees of their collective bargaining rights has emboldened Democrats in the state.

Democrats are confident they can win in Wisconsin and have a host of current or former officeholders -- such as ex-senator Russ Feingold, Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Rep. Ron Kind and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett -- mentioned as possible candidates.

"We'll hold on to this seat particularly because of the extreme Republican agenda that is on display in the state," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., chairwoman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. "If there's one place in the country where Republicans have overplayed their hand it's in the state of Wisconsin, and that gives Democrats an even better opening to hold this seat."

Republicans are equally confident.

"Sen. Kohl's retirement, just like his Democrat colleagues who stepped aside before him, immediately presents another key opportunity for Senate Republicans next year. It also further dilutes the ability of national Democrats to go on offense, while they fight to maintain their dwindling Senate majority," said Brian Walsh of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

On the GOP side, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen is considering a run, according to his campaign, as is state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald.

Kohl, president and owner of pro basketball's Milwaukee Bucks, was first elected to the Senate in 1988. His family used to own the Kohl's retail chain.

As a senator, Kohl is best known as the chairman of the Senate's Select Committee on Aging and for his work on the Judiciary Committee.

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About Catalina Camia

Catalina Camia leads the OnPolitics online community and has been at USA TODAY since 2005. She has been a reporter or editor covering politics and Congress for two decades, including stints at The Dallas Morning News and Congressional Quarterly. Follow her at @USATOnPolitics.